Day Four: Coral watch survey and snorkel
Today was another eventful day, starting off early with two morning dives. Both dives today were on barrier reefs, and the fist site had a swim-through (underwater tunnel) that brought out the claustrophobia in all of us, dumping us out into a large bowl-shaped area full of coral and fish. After a short surface interval, we headed back under, where we saw more of the reef and completed the first of two Coral Watch surveys (looking for coral bleaching). During the dive we encountered a lobster, flounder, and several large grouper. After our dives and the typical fantastic lunch, we boated over to Bailey’s Key for a snorkeling adventure in the turtle grass. We battled the current and the coral to check out our new list of target species, including urchins, sea cucumbers, and various algae. We also caught a glimpse of a scorpion fish and then ended the snorkel by hanging out with the dolphins that are kept in a pen off the coast of the key. Later on the day yielded some down time to swim and study, culminating with another riveting lecture on corals. Just another day in paradise!
By Andrea Cole